LABOR DAY WEEKEND FUN

After a stressful last few weeks, we were in need of a quick escape...and what better way to do that than to spend it with close friends? Actually, this was planned for awhile. Don's birthday was Monday and a friend decided to treat him to an AZ Diamondbacks game. So on Sunday afternoon, we headed up to Phoenix to visit one of our good friend couples, Sam and Chanda. Chanda made this incredibly tasty Italian pasta (which we all, including Nate, happily scarfed down) and treated us to a chocolate Oreo cake! It had been awhile since we had seen them so it was nice to catch up and let Nate play with their 3 yr old daughter. Chanda couldn't wait to give Nate his birthday present so he got it early, but I have to say I'm glad. They gave us the most AWESOME book, "The Pet Dragon" by Christopher Neimann. I HIGHLY recommend it to those of you bloggers who have or are adopting from China. They gave us the 1st edition and the book shows you chinese characters and why they are drawn the way they are. Then they incorporate the characters into a fun story. This is the best book ever and an awesome keepsake for Nate. Thanks Sam and Chanda!!

PLAYING IN THE "KITCHEN"


YUMMY OREO CAKE!


SUPER AWESOME BOOK!


On Monday, we visited with more good friends, Jason and Mary and their 3 kids. Jason took Don to the Dbacks game (WE WON!!) while Mary and I took the kids to Peter Piper Pizza. Their boys, Jake and Moses, were the best "big brothers" to Nate and I actually had a bit of a break while they led him around the playground and basically entertained him all day. It was cute to watch. Nate was exhausted but he had a great time. It was a short but sweet bit of fun and relaxation that was very much needed and we are thankful to have good friends who are supportive, lift us up and who we can be crazy with!

THE BOYS


TRYING HIS HAND AT GOLF


NATE'S "BIG BROTHER"


FUN AT PETER PIPER